A 3D-Printed Dummy for Training Distal Phalanx Amputation in Mice

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Laboratory Animal Science

Background:

• Distal phalanx amputation (DPA) in mouse pups is a critical skill for research.
• Current training methods often involve live animals, raising ethical concerns and limitations.
• Developing realistic training models is essential for the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a 3D-printed dummy for training the DPA technique in mouse pups.
• To assess the effectiveness of the dummy in improving procedural success rates.
• To explore the potential of 3D printing technology in promoting ethical research practices.

Main Methods:

• Micro-CT data from postnatal day-five mouse pups were acquired and segmented.
• 3D models were created and used for 3D printing of training dummies.
• Dummies were evaluated in training courses with two groups: control (no dummy) and intervention (with dummy).
• Surveys and expert veterinarian evaluations assessed training effectiveness.

Main Results:

• The DPA technique is complex and frequently performed poorly.
• Users trained with dummies achieved a 45.5% success rate in DPA, compared to 8.3% for the control group.
• The 3D-printed dummy demonstrated a significant improvement in practical training outcomes.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed dummies provide a viable and effective tool for training DPA in mouse pups.
• This technology offers a safe, ethical, and practical alternative to traditional animal training methods.
• Further research is warranted, but the dummy shows promise for promoting the 3Rs in experimental settings.